Podcasts about second city mainstage

Julia Morales, Second City Mainstage alum, brings her own Stepping Stone Theater to the stage of the Racine Theater Guild this Saturday evening for a night of comedy improv- and will also be leading a free improv workshop that afternoon.

On this edition of The Catered Quiz, Second City Mainstage alum and former Jeopardy! contestant Jamison Webb joins the show to talk about celebrities in attendance at Second City, his childhood fear of Universal Studio billboards and the feedback he got on Reddit for his Jeopardy! performance. He also answers questions about Presidential History and Walt Disney World.   Follow Jamison Webb on Twitter HERE Listen to LBJ order pants HERE Follow The Catered Quiz on Twitter HERE

Meet the incredible Marc Warzecha who founded the online Sketch School https://www.thesketchschool.com/ I met Mark this spring when I took Comedy Sketch Writing 101. It was so fantastic that I too all 3 levels and loved it. Marc is a compassionate and highly competent teacher and his classes are always informative and fun! With two decades at THE SECOND CITY Comedy Theatre, Marc Warzecha is an award-winning HEAD WRITER and ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, overseeing dozens of original sketch comedy revues across North America including multiple productions at The Kennedy Center (Washington DC), The Second City - Mainstage and ETC (Chicago), and The Kirk Douglas Theatre (Los Angeles) featuring sketch stars like Keegan-Michael Key (Comedy Central's Key & Peele), Jason Sudeikis (Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso), Tim Robinson (Netflix's I Think You Should Leave), Kay Cannon (writer, Pitch Perfect) and writer/performers currently featured on HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show, NBC's SNL, FOX's The Simpsons, and more. Marc started his improv journey at Second City Detroit with other mega stars like Moyer and Michal Keegan Marc has been a guest on CNN's “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” and NPR's “All Things Considered.” Currently living in Los Angeles, he is a proud native Detroiter and Armenian. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Join me in this captivating episode as I sit down with the incredibly talented Kate Lambert to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. We also reminisce about Kate's first job at Second City, which just so happened to be on a cruise ship. Additionally, we touch on the development of the characters in Teachers, the professional elements like costumes and makeup that brought them to life, and the sketches from the web series that made it to the TV show. Finally, I share my own experiences with the Second City theater and the incredible people I saw there, such as Tina Fey, Stephanie Weir, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey. In this episode, we discuss the crucial lesson of treating every job, even unpaid gigs, with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We'll also chat about The Katydids journey to LA, the value of having a supportive executive on their side, and the impact of the improv community in Chicago. Don't miss our conversation on Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Kate's recent projects, and her aspirations to return to Chicago and visit the space where her journey began. Join us for this engaging and entertaining episode — you won't want to miss it! Kate Lambert co-created, executive produced, wrote, and starred on the sitcom Teachers on TV Land. She has appeared on Reno 911, The Last Show Left on Earth, The Today Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, the film How to Ruin the Holidays, and done voiceover work for American Dad. Kate has also performed at The John F. Kennedy Center; La Jolla Playhouse; and TBS Just for Laughs.  During her time in Chicago, she was in The Second City Mainstage revue, Let Them Eat Chaos, and is also an alumna of The Second City Touring Company and iO. Connect with Kate Lambert on her website at: KateLambert.com Paul Vato⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠ CHAPTERS (0:00:04) - Kate Lambert on Teachers and Second City: Kate Lambert and TV Land's Teachers, The Katydids improv group, Chicago actors, and Second City cruise ship job are discussed. (0:13:23) - Developing Characters and Second City Memories: Kate Lambert and I discussed her career in improv, the exaggerated characters for TV Land's Teachers, and the impact of The Second City Theater. (0:18:27) - From Improv to Success: Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Orange Alert, Improv Olympic's name change, Kate's family's support, and Kate's aspirations to return to Chicago are discussed. (0:27:26) - Moving to LA and Making It: Kate and her team's creative freedom, Mo Collins' work, the value of an executive, and the impact of the improv community are discussed. (0:40:05) - TV Shows and Creative Projects: Kate Lambert discussed her work on Reno 911, Teachers, Tap Time with Tabitha Brown, and an online sketch show, emphasizing the importance of taking all creative opportunities seriously. (0:45:26) - Meeting Thomas Lennon and Vegas Stories: Kate and Paul reminisce about Reno 911, exploring TV Land's creative freedom, improv, and plans for Las Vegas, plus Kate's upcoming projects. SPONSERS - Buy/rate/review his book, The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠VATO.tv⁠. Thank you! - Win a seat to the WSOP Main Event EVERY DAY IN MAY! ⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠Owwll⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠ • Android: ⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

This week on Finding Your Bliss, Life Coach and Bliss Expert Judy Librach is joined by actress and comedian Clare McConnell! Clare is best known for portraying 'Effie Newsome' on the popular CBC series

In today's episode, Amanda drinks some bourbon with actor, comedian Clare McConnell to discuss insecurities in front of the camera, taking big chances, and the mathematics of a bell curve. Clare is an actor and comedian best known for her portrayal of Effie Newsome on CBC's Murdoch Mysteries and as Klingon Leader Dennas on the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery. You may also recognize Clare from shows like American Gods, Nurses, Hudson & Rex, and Killjoys. Alongside the cast of Avocado Toast Season 2, Clare was nominated for Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy at this year's Rio Web Festival. Clare has also performed in Second City Toronto's Touring Company and is an alumna of the Second City Mainstage. Broadway World once described her as “like a red-headed Jim Carry”.   Looking for more of The Liquid Courage Podcast? Instagram: @liquidcouragepodcast TikTok: @liquidcouragepodcast YouTube Video Episodes & more!   Reach out at www.liquidcouragepodcast.com   Host - Amanda Pereira: insta @hotcoldspicy Guest on this episode – Clare McConnell: insta & tiktok @itsclaremcconnell

Actor/writer/performer Adam Cawley (WORKIN' MOMS, BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW) is an alumnus of The Second City Mainstage, Just for Laughs and performs around the world with The Backline Podcast. But it all pales next to the fact that he EATS THE SAME EVERY THING EVERY DAY. Ever had a can of beans for breakfast? Enjoy this one of our most fascinating episodes so far. Episode Links: Adam's Twitter Adam's IG The Backline Podcast Joe's Patreon Mr. Owl's Website

Actor/writer/performer Adam Cawley (WORKIN' MOMS, BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW) is an alumnus of The Second City Mainstage, Just for Laughs and performs around the world with The Backline Podcast. But it all pales next to the fact that he EATS THE SAME EVERY THING EVERY DAY. Ever had a can of beans for breakfast? Enjoy this one of our most fascinating episodes so far. Episode Links: Adam's Twitter Adam's IG The Backline Podcast Joe's Patreon Mr. Owl's Website

Imagine: What would it be like to move somewhere new? Would you feel lonely without your old friends? Does the moon ever feel lonely? Today's story is all about loving yourself as you are. When are you the most yourself? When is it easy or hard to be yourself? About today's storyteller: Jillian Welsh is a writer, performer and cast member of the Second City MainStage in Toronto. She has a Canadian Comedy Award and is a writer for TVO Kid's Backyard Beats. You can also see her acting on TV in Odd Squad Mobile Unit, TALLBoyz, Working Moms and Baroness Von Sketch Show. Her adult stories have been featured on This American Life, CBC's Love Me and RISK! You can catch her in the kitchen reaching for frozen blueberries. jillianwelsh.com Draw and share... What was your favourite part of the story? If you'd like to share a drawing you've made inspired by 'Cheese Moon', you can do that at catchmeinthekitchen.com/fan-art and we will post it on our story fridge! Catch the latest! Subscribe to our newsletter at catchmeinthekitchen.com to get the latest stories, songs, and activities. If you have a minute, drop us a note - we would love to hear from you! Our first audiobook, ‘Pigs, Princesses, and One Tough Turtle', along with a paperback copy, is available through our website. Les mots sont délicieux! Words are delicious. French/English from today's snack: La lune de fromage: the cheese moon Je sais: I know Mais, non! But no! Une merveilleuse aventure: a wonderful adventure Pas de problème: no problem Allons-y! Let's go! La lune: the moon Je t'aime: I love you La même lune: the same moon La fin: the end Merci beaucoup! Merci à Jillian Welsh for entertaining us with her story ‘Cheese Moon.' Thank you to Jill's niece Haley Welsh (age 5) for the episode illustration. This Audio Snack was performed by Jillian Welsh, Professor Pineapple, and Bearkin. Creative and production support by Ginette Mohr. Episode music composed and performed by Tim Freeman and Red Velvet Revolution. 'Acoustic Motivation' performed by Yrii Semchyshyn, 'Life Ambient' performed by Sergei Chetvertnykh, 'Light and Reflective Piano Orchestra' performed by Musictown, and 'Voice of Nature' performed by Oleksii Kaplunskyi. See you soon! A bientôt! Support Catch Me in the Kitchen Audio Snacks: an English-French stories podcast for kids by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/catch-me-in-the-kitchen-audio-

Sean chats with Susan about her incredible improv experiences teaching and performing at IO, Second City Mainstage and being one of the founders of The Annoyance Theatre.

Sean chats with David about his experience founding Monkey Toast in Toronto and London. His improv training in LA with IO West and The Groundlings, as well as performing on the Second City Mainstage in Toronto.

Sean chats with TJ about how he got started in improv at IO, JTS Brown, Second City Mainstage and being one half of TJ & Dave.

This week, Shohana sits down with comedienne and writeress Allana Reoch to discuss the far-reaching impacts of grief – on our careers, our relationships, and most importantly, our closets.   Follow Finders Grievers on Instagram & Twitter @findersgrievers and write to us at findersgrievers@gmail.com About Allana Reoch:  Allana Reoch is a comedienne and writeress who has written for CBC Radio, CTV’s The Comedy Network, CBC, and The Second City Mainstage. She is a five-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee, a Canadian Screen Award nominee and winner of the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award. When not writing and performing, she reviews books for Canadian website Parton and Pearl and moonlights as a freelance editor. She’d be happy to proofread your essay. Instagram: @findersgrievers Twitter: @findersgrievers Email: findersgrievers@gmail.com Hosted by: Shohana Sharmin Instagram: @soleahm Twitter: @soleahm Guest: Allana Reoch Instagram: @reochnroll Twitter: @reochnroll  Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Wow! You made it! Hi! Chance intro's the show and does a spot on impression of a dog speaking english. Thrilling stuff, folks. Today's guest is the great and powerful Jonald Reyes! Jonald is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and performer in Chicago! He has assistant directed The Second City Mainstage, directed for The Second City National Touring Company, and is a founding member of the brand new comedy theater and training center Stepping Stone Theater in Chicago! Chance and Jonald talk the "Chicago hustle," being part of the official reopening of The Second City post pandemic, growing up in New Jersey, and he drops ALL KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE in regards to working in the comedy world. Follow Jonald! @jonaldjude Follow Stepping Stone Theater! @steppingstonecomedy steppingstonechi.comFollow the show! @wedidntpeak Follow Chance! @chanceisloud 

Our guest is Jeff Murdoch (@jsmurd) He is a Second City Mainstage alumni and one half of the comedy duo “Seriously Unprepared." He's now based in LA working as an actor, podcaster, and just a good dude. You can hear him on the Monster of the week podcast "Mystery County Monster Hunters Club" We play.... "RISK SYSTEM, Asteroid Quest! (Classic) and Depth of Extinction. This week we're highlighting a twitter thread of Black Trans gofundmes. Go donate to one (or more!) and send us proof and we'll shout you out on the show

Jamison Webb (What We Do in the Shadows, Space Force) had a dream in middle school and got to live it performing on the Second City Mainstage. Along the way, he shook off the bullying of early high school by barraging his classmates with comedy until they booed him senior year. Listen to this journey and his thoughts on what comes after everything. Check out the extended episode at https://www.patreon.com/davemaher (patreon.com/davemaher) for hella bonus Jamison, including an intro on aging plus his "Funeral Planning," "Write Your Epitaph," "Kill 1 Thing," and "Paint Your Hell" segments. Transcript: https://app.podscribe.ai/series/1246109 (This Is Your Afterlife on Podscribe) --- Follow https://twitter.com/jamisonwebb (@jamisonwebb) on Twitter! To continue the conversation, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Hella Immaculate, at http://thisisdavemaher.com/ (thisisdavemaher.com). Follow me @thisisdavemaher on https://www.instagram.com/thisisdavemaher/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/ThisIsDaveMaher (Twitter). --- Intro Song = Future: "Use Me" Transitional Music = James Blackshaw: "The Cloud of Unknowing" Outro Song = Johnnie Frierson: "Miracles" Support this podcast

My guest today is the international sensation Dana Schiemann. Her website is https://dana-schiemann.squarespace.com/ Dana is an amazing actor, comedian, writer, and National Canadian Air Guitar Champion from Toronto, Ontario. Graduating from University of Guelph in Theater and Music, Schiemann continued her training at The Second City Toronto, where she completed the Conservatory and Longform Conservatory Programs. In 2016 Dana was cast in the first ever Second City House Company. She performed on the Second City Mainstage in various other shows. Dana stars in Season 5 of Letterkenny ( Crave TV) as Cheryl, Darryl's doppelganger from their rival town. Other credits include Miss Elizabeth Ann Hulette in Dark Side of the Ring (VICE), the Mayor of Mega City in Massive Monster Mayhem (Nickelodeon) and Denise Bozarth in Fatal Vows (Discovery ID). Dana performed in the Caribbean aboard the beautiful MSC Seaside in Beer Prov at Sea, a brilliant improv comedy troupe that has the guesting laughing in the isles. If you're a fan of rocking out with an air guitar, Schiemann recently returned from Finland after representing Canada and winning bronze in the World Air Guitar Competition! rock star alias: Danasaurus Rex. You can follow Dana on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/danaschiemann/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yoel-hyman/support

Shantira Jackson ("Busy Tonight" & "Saved by the Bell" reboot writer, Second City Mainstage writer/performer) talks to me (Dave, the host of the show) about the "Actual Afterlives" live show that gave birth both to her "Black Heaven" sketch and this podcast. You'll hear the absurd reason a woman requested a refund for the Second City show, Shantira's obsession with the "bench dance" on "So You Think You Can Dance," and how performing on a cruise ship led her to sell a bunch of her Banana Republic clothes. Follow Shantira on https://twitter.com/tira_tira_tira (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/tira_tira_tira/ (Instagram)! Follow me on https://www.instagram.com/thisisdavemaher/ (IG), https://twitter.com/ThisIsDaveMaher (Twitter), and sign up for my newsletter, https://thisisdavemaher.substack.com/welcome (Hella Immaculate)! Support this podcast

Dana Schiemann joins Jimmer Lowe for an Episode of Q'd Up. Dana Schiemann is an actor, singer, comedian and Canadian Air Guitar Champion currently residing in Toronto, Ontario. Schiemann was cast in Toronto's first Second City House Company ensemble, directed by Leslie Seiler in 2016. She's also performed on the Second City Mainstage in four contrasting Writing shows. You can watch Schiemann in various television shows such as Cheryl in Season 5 of Letterkenny (Comedy Network, Crave TV), Miss Elizabeth Ann Hulette (VICE), the Mayor of Mega City in Massive Monster Mayhem (Nickelodeon) and Denise Bozarth in Fatal Vows (Discovery ID). Schiemann recently returned from the Caribbean working aboard the MSC Seaside performing with BeerProv At Sea.

Luba Magnus joins Jimmer Lowe for an Episode of Q'd Up.Luba Magnus is a staple talent in the Toronto comedy scene, with a unique style mixing her stand-up with music and drawings. She has toured across Canada, was selected to perform in the 2019 SiriusXM Top Comic competition, and was nominated as a "Breakout Comic of the Year" at the annual I Heart Jokes Awards. As an animator/Illustrator, Luba's work has appeared on CBC, PBS, in Cineplex theatres, at the 2019 Toronto Sketch Fest Film Fest, on Toronto's Second City Mainstage, and more.

  Today I get to drop this wonderful conversation I had with Neil Crone. I don’t think I was prepared for how relaxed and fun it was going to be to speak with Neil. I always love when I meet someone for the first time and my first thought is, “this is going to be fun!” Neil is someone who has been through his fair share of “Schtuff” but has not let his challenges darken the lens with which he views the world. Instead, he is someone who uses his experiences as a way to reach out and connect with others to shine a light on what bonds us to together as humans and propel us forward into the very things that paralyze us. Neil does this with his writing, improv, acting and motivational speaking, but I have a feeling, after speaking with Neil, it is just how he shows up in the world.   Some of the things we cover in this episode are, What his biggest challenge as an artist has been, as someone who studied and performed in improv what is the most valuable takeaway he has brought with him into other areas of his life and what major change he would like to see happen in the entertainment industry.   A little about Neil: Neil is an actor and writer who lives in a town so small everybody knows where everyone else’s birthmarks are.  He has performed in dozens of television and radio commercials, TV shows and is the voice of numerous cartoon characters every Saturday morning, including ‘The Ridonculous Race’, ‘Ella’ and the upcoming ‘Kody Kapow!’  His most current television and feature film roles include a guest starring appearance in ‘Rogue’, ‘Murdoch Mysteries’,   ‘Remedy’, ‘The Strain’, ‘One Starry Christmas’ , and the soon to be released, ‘Bon Cop Bad Cop 2’ and Stephen Kings ‘It’. He also enjoyed six seasons playing the role of Radio Redneck Fred Tupper in CBC’s hit sit-com ‘Little Mosque on the Prairie’ and two seasons of Family Channel’s ‘Really Me’. A Second City Mainstage alumnus, Neil has been performing improvised and sketch comedy for over twenty years and is the recipient of a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy for his work as ‘Bad Santa’ on Q107’s Derringer in the Morning. When not performing, Neil is busy writing; as an award-winning weekly humour columnist for Metroland papers, and a contributor to numerous publications including Zoomer Magazine, Ontario Out of Doors, Dogs in Canada and ACTRA Magazine. His books; ‘Semi-Colon; A Writers cheeky journey through Colo-rectal Cancer’, “Who Farted?’ – Stories in Verse for big and little kids” and “The Farmers Secret Midnight Dance” and his first collection of syndicated columns “Enter Laughing – The Early Years” are currently available at major bookstores. Neil is a cancer survivor and is a National Spokesperson for both the Colo-rectal Cancer Association of Canada and Colon Cancer Canada.  He is available as a motivational speaker, focusing on the power of laughter in healing.  When Neil grows up he wants to be an Astronaut.    https://www.thisischelseajohnson.com/

GUEST: Carly Heffernan, director of She The People and artistic director of Second City Toronto

Stacey McGunnigle is just a small town kid who made her way to the leading role in a US sitcom pilot, the Second City MainStage, and the hearts and minds of the world. She hosts the Regular Girls podcast with Renee Young of WWE fame. Stacey sat down with Nick to discuss her years doing standup, power dynamics in comedy and acting and the pressures of trying to make it. There's also some show and tell! Check out more of Stacey at www.twitter.com/TheStaceyMcG, and listen to Regular Girls at https://www.theregulargirls.com

Steve Waltien writes for the new 'Klepper Show' on Comedy Central. He's a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company and an alum of The Second City Mainstage. He's appeared in movies like 'Don't Think Twice' and TV shows like 'Chicago PD' and 'The Opposition with Jordan Klepper.' Twitter handle is @waltien.

On this episode of Talking Late Night, Max interviews Jeff Murdoch, a mainstage player at The Second City and co-founder of the comedy duo "Seriously Unprepared." Jeff is an improv performer, actor, and writer currently based out of Chicago, Illinois. He has performed at many different theatres in the city including iO, the Annoyance, and Upstairs Gallery. In addition to performing at theatres in Chicago, he has performed improv through Second City on multiple cruise ships and was a member of the Second City National Touring Company. Today, Jeff is currently a mainstage performer for The Second City. He is also a member of the comedy duo "Seriously Unprepared," which have written and performed sketches and television pilots that have been met with critical acclaim from organizations like the New York Television Festival. Want to learn more about Jeff? You can find out more about him on his website and his Twitter. Check out content by Seriously Unprepared at their website and you can always see him perform nightly at Second City by clicking here! Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to like and share our Facebook page here, and also rate and leave us a review on iTunes! 

My guest today is Ashley Botting. Ashley is an alumna of Toronto’s Second City Mainstage, and has starred in The Second City Guide to the Symphony, Cam Baby, and One Night Only. Ashley has been a talking-head on CTV News Channel’s Straight Talk segment with Sandie Rinaldo. She is also a regular panelist, writer, and guest host on CBC Radio One’s quiz show, Because News. As a writer, she has penned episodes for PBS’ Odd Squad, Nickelodeon’s upcoming Zoofari and pieces for NOW Magazine, The Toronto Star, TheLoop.ca, and was shortlisted for The CBC Canada Writes: Bloodlines prize. She’s won three Canadian Comedy Awards and been nominated for three Dora Awards. On this episode, we discuss our similarities: our challenges with faith, our experiences growing up with one Jewish and one non-Jewish parent, and our experiences with improvisation.

My guest today is Adam Cawley. Adam is a three-time Canadian Comedy Award Winning actor, writer, improviser as well as an alumnus of The Second City Mainstage. TV Credits include:The Beaverton, Workin’ Moms, Mary Kills People, Spun Out, Odd Squad, Warehouse 13, Covert Affairs and more. In 2014 Adam won The Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Improviser in Canada. He is currently the co-host (along with Rob Norman) of The Backline. Adam and I talk about inspiration, dogs, comedy, and how to be happy where you're at.

Listen this week as the Nice Guys flawlessly recreate the 90s teen classic "She's All That" along with their unbelievably talented guest Stacey McGunnigle. You can catch Stacey on Second City Mainstage in Toronto or her incredible podcast "Regular Girls"! Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

Listen this week as the Nice Guys flawlessly recreate the 90s teen classic "She's All That" along with their unbelievably talented guest Stacey McGunnigle. You can catch Stacey on Second City Mainstage in Toronto or her incredible podcast "Regular Girls"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Wylie and Alessandra Vite of The Flirty Boys are two of four very flirty grown women with sketch in their blood. With resumés that include The Sketchersons, Second City Mainstage, and Ladystache, they will charm you onstage and off with their fast-paced, smart, and silly jokes. They are: Alessandra Vite, Alexandra Wylie, Allison Hogg and Ann Pornel. The Flirty Boys Alessandra Vite on Twitter Ali Wylie on Twitter

Soul Decision is made up of Kevin Vidal and Christian Smith. They were recently named the "Best of the Fest" for the Toronto Sketch Comedy festival (2017) and performed in the "Best of the Fest" show in the Montreal Sketch Fest (2017). Christian is a Second City alumni of their House Company and understudies for their Touring Company. Kevin is an alumni of the Second City Mainstage in Toronto. You can catch him on CBC's Workin' Moms and Kim's Convenience. Both are actors and writers but most of all they're nice boys. Soul Decision on Facebook Soul Decision on Instagram Soul Decision on Twitter

Scott Adsit has almost 100 acting credits to his name on IMDB. But I know him best as one of my favorite improvisors. He was kind enough to spend some time with me while he was visiting LA. We had a lot to talk about. We talked about comedy, improv, Chicago, being a nerd, being written and drawn into the Marvel comics universe, Trump, the loss of his father, performing at The Second City MainStage in Chicago, auditioning for Saturday Night Live and not getting hired, getting a call from Tina Fey about a job on 30 Rock, dating, meeting his girlfriend, starting Moral Orel with Dino Stamatopoulos, voicing Baymax in Disney's Big Hero 6, humping Florence Henderson, working with Carrie Fisher, getting a "free" education at Columbia in Chicago thanks to Sheldon Patinkin, working with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Steven Soderbergh, Will Ferrell, Christopher Guest, Billy Bob Thornton, Garry Handling, Warren Beatty, Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Russell Brand and so much more!!! Twitter @ejscott @EJPodcast Instagram @ejscott1106 My website www.ejscott.com Charities to donate to www.crowdrise.com/7on7 RUNNING BLIND Documentary available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon

Shantira Jackson is a cast member of the current Second City Mainstage, and she also performs with Chicago's hottest improv group, 3Peat, at iO Chicago. Jimmy sits down and talks to her about leaving journalism for comedy, what she is trying to get across to the audience when she's performing, and her incredible work ethic.

 This week, Sarah had Martin Morrow in her bed! They talked about going from writing teenage poetry to getting on the main stage at Second City, bombing and what a healthy relationship looks like.  You can follow Martin on Twitter @MartinMMorrow and visit his website www.martinmorrowcomedy.com. You can see him at the Winner of Our Discontent on the Second City Mainstage. Sleeping with Sarah is a podcast where comedian and narcoleptic, Sarah Albritton interviews people in her bed. They talk about sleep, comedy and relationships. Sleeping with Sarah is proud to be part of the Laugh Factory podcast network. Visit www.sleepingwithsarah.com for more information. You can follow Sarah on twitter:@sarahalbritton or visit her at www.sarahalbritton.

On today's episode I talk to writer and performer Amber Ruffin. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Amber began her comedy career studying at iO in Chicago. From there she moved to Amsterdam, where she performed with Boom Chicago all over Europe, eventually ending up at the Second City Mainstage back in the States. In 2014, she became a writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers - the first black, female writer in late night history - and she often performs on the show, most notably in the recurring segment "Jokes Seth Can't Tell".  This is the website for Beginnings, subscribe on iTunes, follow me on Twitter.

This week, Planet Ant Artistic Director, home team member, and former Second City Mainstage cast member Shawn Handlon visits the After Improv Podcast. In Part I of a two-part interview, Shawn talks about his 20 years of improvising, why he changed his last name, growing up with seven siblings, stepping down as vice president of a bank to pursue improv, how “Star Wars” inspired him to write, what it was like living on a cruise ship for almost three years. All this and more: 20 years * Not his given name * The only child * A man of business * Steve and Stephen * The first days of improv * Touching moments * Funkytown * Genital Ben * TourCo * Bad bank breakup * Mad mom, mad dad * Mainstage * Written in the Star * Power battles * Novi * Cruisin' * Comments or whatever: @tonyaugusty

Anthony LeBlanc joins the podcast this week! Anthony is a comedian, writer, former Second City Mainstage performer, resident Second City director, and fellow nerd. Naturally, he fits in well with Justin and Doug as they discuss whether AI could exist and how exactly it would function, choosing comedy over going into space, and creating something that will affect people and lead to change. Anthony notes that he aligns himself as lawfully good and he always plays as a paladin in Dungeons and Dragons. Doug leads the heroes down a video game path where they talk about World of Warcraft, Minecraft, The Forest, and Day Z. Then the trio started talking about trolls and pranksters with XBox One, Team Fortress 2, Eve (of course), and Ultima Online. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down featuring Doctor Manhattan vs. Doctor Strange. You can find Anthony LeBlanc on Twitter and Facebook. He is also directing the upcoming Second City Mainstage Revue, so keep your eyes open for that!

Second City Mainstage cast member Rashawn Nadine Scott’s story plays like one of those great, classic show biz tales of a girl with a dream. "I made a plan, and then a few months later, here I was with four duffle bags," she told the Chicago Tribune when they named her one of the hot new faces of 2015. From the minute she stepped off the bus from her hometown of Tacoma Washington (it probably wasn’t a bus, but this is a showbiz story) she’s made wonderful things happen for herself in short order. She was a recipient of the Second City’s Bob Coury Fellowship, a cast member of the wonderfully experimental and highly successful collaboration between Second City and Hubbard Street Dance, “The Art of Falling.” Then after understudying for the touring company, she joined the Second City ETC cast, jumping shortly after that to the Mainstage. And that’s where she is now, performing in Second City’s 104th revue, “Fool Me Once, De Ja Vu.” We talk to Rashawn about her big dreams, about the ones that have come true, and the ones that still remain to be seen. Also on the show, a song by our comedy bluegrass idols from Monkey’s Crevice, West Virginia, The Famous Brothers.

The Spooky Doctor And Assassin! On this week's Spooked! Cody needs his pills, Colin wants to buy a cookie platter, Damien isn't a doctor, Christopher Wilson takes care of things, and Kevin Vidal (Sunnyside, Second City MainStage) is a talk show superstar. We get a little crazy and a little tippy tonight, so get ready to get Spooked!

Jackie Hoffman is our guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” Yes, she’s been in “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Birdman,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The New Normal,” “Girls,” “30 Rock,” and dozens more appearances on TV and in movies. Yes, on Broadway she’s opened “Hairspray,” “Xanadu,” “The Addams Family,” and was a standout in “On the Town” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” Yes, she’s won an Obie Award for her roles in David and Amy Sedaris’ “The Book of Liz.” Yes, she’s done many solo performances, and, yes, I’ve toured with her at Second City and put up several shows with her on the Second City etc stage, and the Second City Mainstage. But Jackie is a wonderful force and a dear friend, and this conversation is honest, funny, grounded, real, and very Jackie Hoffman. Strap yourself in.

Katie Rich writes for SNL's Weekend Update, is an alumni of The Second City Mainstage and has performed at iO-Chicago with Carl and The Passions. Jimmy talks to her about her first day on the job at SNL, what goes into writing for Weekend Update, and meeting the President at the White House Correspondent's Dinner.

Brad Morris is a writer/actor/improviser. He wrote for three seasons on Cougar Town, he is an alumni of The Second City Mainstage and a member of the legendary iO Harold team The Reckoning. Jimmy sat down with Brad and talked to him about his journey from iO to Second City to LA as writer, actor and everything in between.

Joel Murray has developed a nice resume over the years in film and television. Racking up credits on Mad Men, Shameless, Dharma and Greg, One Crazy Summer, The Artist and many more. He also happens to be the little brother of comedy legend Bill Murray. We talk about his family, parents, brothers, sisters (one has polio andother is a nun), his father passing awauy when Joel was only 5 years old, growing up in a full house, growing up in Chicago area, getting into actiing and comedy, following the footsteps of his older brothers, meeting the Grateful Dead, Joel does a dead on Dan Akroyd impression, talks about hanging out with Chris Farley, being directed under Del Close, performing at The Second City Mainstage, opening a restaurant called Caddyshacks in Florida and possibly soon another locale, what advice Bill Murray gave him when Joel started acting, meeting his wife of 26 years, having 4 kids, what he told SNL when they were showing intertest in having him as a cast member, golf, John Belushi, Bobcat Goldthwaite, Jay Leggett, Dave Pasquesi and so much more!!! My website www.ejscott.com Twitter @ejscott @EJPodcast Instagram @ejscott1106

Sam Richardson. Sam is an alum of The Second City Mainstage, and has been in “We’re the Millers,” “Horrible Bosses 2,” and the upcoming “Spy.” Sam was a recurring in “The Office,” and is currently a regular on HBO’s “Veep.”

Antoine McKay is a former member of the Second City Mainstage, a teacher, actor, and is appearing in the new show Empire on Fox. In this episode, Antoine talks about coming up through Second City Detroit, his faith, and not making acting a priority. Don't miss this one!

Rachel Hamilton. Where do we start? Teacher, Actor, Writer… former Second City MainStage, frequent performer and instructor at Magnet, and all around wonderful human being.  She’s also the driving force behind the creation of Camp Magnet.  She lives in Northern California and we never see her enough, but we grabbed her last time she was […] The post #9: Rachel Hamilton appeared first on Magnet Theater.

Barb Wallace. Barb is a Second City Mainstage and ETC alum, having worked with Michael Myers and Bonnie in numerous reviews. Barb won a  Joseph Jefferson Award for her direction of Second City’s We Made A Mesopotamia, Now You Clean It Up, a review Dave was in. Barb has written and created network shows for CBS, NBC, HBO productions. On location in Chicago.

Mark Beltzman has been around the block and he's been around the world. He's a staple in the improv/ sketch scene in Los Angeles and Chicago. He goes way back to the first days of Improv Olympic aka iO and studied closely with Del Close. He was on the Second City Mainstage in Chicago. He has worked a few times with John Hughes, George Wendt, Adam Sandler, Norm MacDonald, Larry David. He talks about the late great Jay Leggett, Chris Farley, Del Close. He's been on According to Jim, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mo Money, Home Alone, Billy Madison, Wedding Singer, Speed 2, Norm, House M.D., Pretty Little Liars and more!!   Mark tells me about Del Closes death bed conversation with Mark, cursing out Larry David, how Chris Farley replaced Mark on the Secind City Mainstage, the big drug scene in the early days and his participation, how improv teaches lessons for life, growing up in Detroit, his love for the tuba, obesity in his family, co-writing (sort of) John Candy's lines in Home Alone, his 32 year long relationship with his wife who is 16 years older than he is and how she proposed to him, and much much more!!!   Follow me on Twitter... @ejscott @EJPodcast Instagram... @ejscott1106 www.ejscott.com www.curechm.org  

Scott Adsit. Scott played Pete on “30 Rock,” was a driving force behind the cult classics “Moral Orel,” and “Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole,” was in “We’re the Millers,” “Robot Chicken,” and “Mr. Show.” Scott is also an alum of The Second City Mainstage where he performed with Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and “Anchorman” director Adam McKay.

Matthew Craig is a professional improvisor, actor, writer, and director. He is an alum of The Second City in Chicago, having performed in their Resident Company for over three years on both their Mainstage and their ETC theaters. He spent several years traveling the world with their touring company and has worked for their corporate training division as a writer/ performer/ instructor/ director for over fifteen years. Matt began his career at Washington University with the troupe Mama's Pot Roast. Previous theater credits include The Annoyance, iO, iOWest, Disney Cruise Lines, Brave New Workshop, The Second City Touring Company, The Second City ETC, and The Second City Mainstage. Matt fills his days with occasional commercial, voiceover, and television work, appearing on “The Office,” “According to Jim,” and on “Mobbed”, where Matt, an ordained minister, marries unsuspecting couples. He teaches improvisation and sketch writing at Second City Hollywood and performs all about town with his two-man improv group FrankenMatt. (www.frankenmatt.com) Most recently, Matt worked as a writer on “Saturday Night Live” during the 2010-2011 season. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Also, I went to school with him and he thought my dad was like Mike Brady.

Xander and Ben are joined by 'supes' special guest Tim Baltz of Second City Mainstage fame and they review a super-Frenchy beverage in honor of Tim's heritage, say "Boner Sound" a bunch of times, and actually get into some fairly serious chat about Tim's career in Chicago comedy. This episode is extra long to make room for Tim's wealth of hot insider comedy knowledge.  If for some bizarre reason you want to skip over the large chunk or two about live comedy in Chicago, there is still plenty of nonsense to enjoy.  Boner Sound!